UN to consider 'enhanced protection' as Lebanon warns heritage at risk

Several Israeli strikes in recent weeks on the eastern city of Baalbek and the southern city of Tyre -- both strongholds of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah -- have hit close to ancient Roman ruins designated by UNESCO as World Heritage sites. A UNESCO committee will meet in extraordinary session in Paris on November 18 to consider the inscription of Lebanese heritage sites on UNESCO's list of sites under "enhanced protection", the agency said. Enhanced protection status gives heritage sites "high-level immunity from military attacks"...